[5] Circular Motion

Question 1

What is the equation for Centripetal force?

Answer 1

F = mv^(Squared) / r

Question 2

Why are objects in circular motion defined as constantly accelerating?

Answer 2

Velocity is a vector, and as the object is in circular motion the direction in which the velocity acts constantly changes. If acceleration is defined as the change in velocity, then the object is constantly accelerating.

Question 3

What direction does the velocity of an object in circular motion act?

Answer 3

At a tangent to the centripetal force.

Question 4

What would happen if the centripetal force of an object in circular motion was suddenly removed?

Answer 4

The object would fly off at a tangent to the last remaining position of the centripetal force.

Question 5

What would happen if the velocity of an object in circular motion (like a satellite orbiting the Earth) wasn’t strong enough to necessitate the centripetal force of the Earth’s gravity?

Answer 5

The satellite would spiral out of orbit and come crashing down to earth.